EPA’s DfE Alternative Assessments – Now Available

EPA is announcing the availability of two final reports on alternatives assessments for flame retardants and a technical correction to a 2014 final alternatives assessment report.

The first report addresses flame retardant chemicals that are used to meet fire safety requirements for upholstered consumer products containing flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF). The report finalizes information in a 2014 update and supplement to a 2005 report on alternatives to pentabromodiphenyl ether (pentaBDE), which was developed by EPA’s Design for the Environment (DfE) Furniture Flame Retardancy Partnership. The final report provides a detailed comparison of the potential human health and environmental effects of 20 chemical alternatives. The report briefly describes other (non-flame retardant) methods that can be used to provide increased fire safety. There are several alternative flame retardants that are anticipated to safer, based on preferable hazard profiles, when flame retardants are used to meet end-use product flammability standards. For additional information and a link to view or download a copy of the final report, see: http://www2.epa.gov/saferchoice/flame-retardants-used-flexible-polyurethane-foam

The second report addresses flame retardant chemicals used to meet fire safety standards in printed circuit boards for electronic products, such as cell phones and computers. It finalizes information in a 2014 update to the 2008 draft alternatives assessment report. The final report provides updated human health and environmental information on 10 flame retardants – Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA), which is one of the most commonly used flame retardants for printed circuit boards in electronics, and nine alternative chemicals. The final report also supplements the 2008 draft report with a summary of research on combustion by-products from burning printed circuit boards to simulate uncontrolled recycling or incineration. The hazard profiles of the 10 chemicals, combined with the combustion testing results, will be useful to manufacturers in choosing safer materials and meeting environmental standards for greener or environmentally preferable electronics. For additional information and a copy of the final report, see: http://www2.epa.gov/saferchoice/alternatives-assessment-partnership-evaluate-flame-retardants-printed-circuit-boards

EPA is also issuing a technical correction to a 2014 final alternatives assessment report on the use of Bisphenol A in thermal paper, such as cash register receipts and tickets. After further analysis of new data submitted in response to the draft report, EPA has revised the toxicity designation for one alternative from high to moderate. For additional information and a copy of the report, see: http://www2.epa.gov/saferchoice/partnership-evaluate-alternatives-bisphenol-thermal-paper